FIM MotoGP World Championship Race Results From Phillip Island

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A TECHNICAL PROBLEM PREVENTS ROLFO FROM ENDING THE RACE AT PHILLIP ISLAND

The circuit of Phillip Island hosted today the penultimate race of the MotoGP class for the 2012 season.

In the warm up, Rolfo completed a total of twelve laps for some final checks on used tyres. Starting from the sixth row of the grid, in the race Roberto tried to get close to the group of the CRT machines, setting a consistent rhythm. When there were nine laps left to the chequered flag, a technical problem prevented the Italian from continuing his solitary race, and therefore he leaves Australia without having the opportunity to score some points for the Championship Classification.

Roberto Rolfo #84 - retired"I'm disappointed for how the race ended today. The rhythm we had wasn't too bad, I was hoping to stay with the other CRT machines that had been faster than me in the qualifying practice, the bike was quick. The warm up wasn't too easy, as we worked on used tyres. In the race, the start wasn't one of the best, but there was a chance to improve my placement. Meanwhile the CRT group went away and I tried to put in a consistent pace on my own, with the aim to set some good times. When there were about ten laps left, I started having some problems with the bike and soon after it stopped. Now we are going to see what forced us to retire. Even if the CRT group was far, we could have achieved some points. We'll do our best to make up for this in Valencia."

More, from a press release issued by Ducati:

Difficult race for Ducati Team at Phillip Island

The Australian Grand Prix, which today saw Marc Marquez and Jorge Lorenzo crowned world champions in the Moto2 and MotoGP classes, respectively, proved to be particularly challenging for the Ducati Team and its two riders, who brought home seventh and eighth place points.

Despite working hard along with their respective teams, Valentino Rossi and Nicky Hayden weren't able to maintain a fast enough race pace to fight with the group of riders whose lap times they had approached over the previous two days.

The Australian race completes the long overseas trip and leaves only the Spanish round in Valencia, which will close out the 2012 season in two weeks.

Valentino Rossi (Ducati Team) 7th"As far as the result is concerned, I think seventh place is probably the best that was possible, whereas the gap could have been better. Nicky was with me the whole race. I was ahead and I pushed, but I was never able to shake him. The bike I crashed with in the warm-up had some small changes that we wanted to try, but honestly, I don't think I could have done much more. I'm not able to enter the corners fast because whenever I try, I go too wide. I have to brake earlier, try to keep a bit of margin, and then accelerate as soon as possible, but by opening the gas very early, with the bike leaned over, the tyre heats up a lot on the edges. Today it immediately started sliding too much. Complements to Marquez and Lorenzo for their titles, which both of them certainly deserve."

Nicky Hayden (Ducati Team) 8th"It was a really hard weekend. Normally I love Phillip Island, but we did 32.3s in FP1 and haven't been able to improve grip and turning much since, despite making a lot of changes. I felt a little better in the race and was able to fight with Valentino a little bit. He was faster in the beginning, but once the tyres went away, I could manage, although front-tyre wear hurt me toward the end. I thought I might be able to have a go at him in the last couple of laps, but then I ran wide in turn 11 and he got a break on me. He was going to be tough to beat anyway. It's frustrating, because I remember battling with Valentino for the win here, and we've been on the podium together a few times at this track. Thanks to the team because we really tried everything this weekend."

Vittoriano Guareschi, Team Manager"It was a very challenging weekend for the team and the riders, even if everyone tried their best to find a setup that would work on this track. Today's crash in the warm-up certainly didn't help Valentino, but anyway, I don't think things would have gone much differently. Nicky had a difficult time all weekend. Back home, we'll have to analyse all the data we've gathered and do better at Valencia in the last race."

More, from a press release issued by Repsol Honda:

Glory for Casey and sadness for Dani in Phillip Island Today, the Repsol Honda team has tasted glory and disappointment in equal measures at the Australian Grand Prix. The glory, seeing the 2011 World Champion, Casey Stoner, celebrating victory at his last home race of his career, with a sixth consecutive win at Phillip Island, the fifth of the 2012 season and 45th of his career, 38 of them in MotoGP.

On the flip side, there was huge disappointment for the Repsol Honda Team as title contender Dani Pedrosa crashed out on the second lap in a race he was pushing to win, despite the incredible domaination his teammate Casey showed throughout the weekend.

Dani took the lead on the first lap, overtaking Lorenzo in Turn 4, and in that same turn, a lap later, he lost the front and his race and title hopes were over. Casey started to increase his amazing pace lap by lap to take the checkered flag 9.2 seconds ahead of Jorge Lorenzo, who with this result was crowned MotoGP World Champion. The Repsol Honda riders have now consolidated their final standings in the 2012 Championship, Dani in 2nd and Casey 3rd with one race to go, in Valencia in two weeks time.

CASEY STONER 1st World Championship Standing: 3rd with 238 points "It was very important for me to win a race before the end of the season and I'm really happy to do it here, at home, in front of the huge crowd. My biggest worry was to be fit again and competitive for this race, but we managed it and we had something over everyone else and this was the perfect way to say goodbye here. I was pretty nervous going into the race but the conditions were fantastic for a Phillip Island race! When I knew I only had a few laps left and a big lead, I was watching the crowd and it was fantastic to see everyone cheering me on, it made me very proud to be Australian. My biggest congratulations to Jorge, he's ridden an almost perfect season finishing 1st or 2nd when possible and I'm just disappointed not to be in the championship fight, but I made my own mistakes and this is how things go. My condolences to Dani - I saw him crash out in front of me - but he had to push today and go out and win the race to keep his championship hopes alive. It was a small mistake, easy to do in this corner and I feel very sorry for him. Thanks to everyone for coming down and showing their support!"

DANI PEDROSA DNF World Championship Standing: 2nd with 307 points "It's a sad feeling more than disappointment; I pushed as hard as I could; I did what I had to do and I have no regrets for my riding, especially this season. I feel very proud of my team and of my performance throughout the year. I think after what happened in Misano, we showed a very good attitude, skill and power. So, there is some sadness because we've been closer than ever to take the title, but also proud for all we achieved. Concerning the crash, it was nothing strange; I just went wider on the corner, I had some chatter and lost the front; maybe the tyre was not warm enough as well, but it's like it is. Congratulations to Casey for his sixth win at his home Grand Prix and to Lorenzo because he deserved the championship, as well as Marc MÃ¡rquez in Moto2".

SHUHEI NAKAMOTO - HRC EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT "Today has been a very special day for us. So sad to see Dani out of the Championship as we really believed it was possible to achieve, but so happy to see Casey win here in Phillip Island again. Anyway, that's racing and we must congratulate Jorge for the great season he has done this year. We will try again to beat him in 2013!"

More, from a press release issued by NGM Mobile Forward Racing:

A problem with the gearbox stops Edwards at Philip Island

The AirAsia Grand Prix has lasted just a few laps for Edwards who decided to come into the pits after having a problem with the gearbox of his Suter BWM.

Colin Edwards Not Classified"It all started this morning, we went out and I missed the downshift pretty bad in the warm up and maybe it damaged something in the gear box because after a couple of laps I couldn't downshift at the end of the main straight. Finally I run out a little wide but after this everything seemed to be ok after that. Again on the main straight I could hear a clinking, like metal on metal or chassis on chassis, or maybe even the gearbox again, so decided to pit in to see what was wrong."

Sergio Verbena Crew Chief"It's a shame we had to retire today, because our pace was good enough to battle for good points with some other CRT. Looks like we had a failure with a gearbox sensor but we need to analize data to figure out. Colin had a bad feeling with a gearbox and he preferred to stop because it's very dangerous to have this kind of troubles on a very fast track like Phillip Island is."

Â“What I can sayÂ…we struggled from the first day of practices to find the right front end feeling, but, during todayÂ’s race I had an unpredictable chattering issue in different areas of the track. We never had a big chatter problem in the past like today and, in these conditions, I didnÂ’t have enough confidence to ride as I wantedÂ”.

More, from a press release issued by Yamaha MotoGP Team:

Yamaha Factory Racing rider Jorge Lorenzo wrapped up a season of domination today with second on the podium in the Grand Prix of Australia to claim his second MotoGP World Championship title, becoming Spain's first ever double premier-class Grand Prix Champion. Starting from second on the grid, Lorenzo took the hole shot from the start line, but dropped to third initially behind Championship rival Dani Pedrosa and race leader Casey Stoner. As the leading pack ran through turn four Pedrosa crashed out, leaving Stoner and Lorenzo to break away. The Championship leader delivered a textbook race of inch perfect laps, maintaining the gap to Cal Crutchlow chasing in third, eventually crossing the line to claim the 2012 MotoGP Rider's title.

The win puts Lorenzo on 350 points, 43 clear of Pedrosa going into the final round. Over the season The World Champion amassed an impressive six race wins and ten second place finishes to secure the title. He now heads to his home race free from the pressure to win and happy to deliver one last race of the year in front of his home crowd.

Jorge Lorenzo Position : 2nd Time: +9.223

"What a day! I'm very happy, it was easier than I expected because Dani made a mistake in a corner and crashed. I wanted to keep with Casey but he was so strong. Today all I had to do was finish the race and I have become World Champion for the second time. It's such a sweet feeling! I want to thank all the team, Yamaha, my family, my friends, sponsors and fans who support me. Today is an amazing moment. We've been very patient, very concentrated and finally the World title arrives!"

Wilco Zeelenberg Team Manager

"It was a very exciting start to the Phillip Island race, we knew we had to beat Dani and of course he knew as well so he pushed really hard in the beginning. In the end it was a bit too hard, but chapeau to him for trying. We knew we had good pace and think we maybe could have beaten him anyway on consistency. From that point Jorge only had to bring it home. He's had a great season of wins or second places and now the world Championship title!"

Massimo Meregalli Team Director

"Jorge has really delivered an amazing season for Yamaha and again today we saw his trademark consistency and dedication to deliver second on the podium. From the first race in Qatar his consistency and dedication have been that of a champion so we fully expected he could achieve the best result possible. I want to thank the whole Team who have also been responsible for the success, working as hard as him to make sure he has had a competitive bike to fight with his rivals at each round. It has been a pleasure to watch him ride this year, he is a worthy champion."

More, from another press release issued by Yamaha MotoGP Team:

A SPECIAL MESSAGE FROM MR. HIROYUKI YANAGI, PRESIDENT OF YAMAHA MOTOR CO., LTD.

"I want to convey my heartfelt congratulations to Jorge Lorenzo for clinching the 2012 MotoGP Championship title at the Australian GP with one round still remaining in the season.

I would also like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to all the fans, the sponsors and other people involved who have supported Jorge and the Team.

This championship title has value that goes above and beyond the great achievement of a second MotoGP title for Jorge Lorenzo. This was the first season under the new 1000cc regulation and, in that sense, made for a new and greater challenge for all of the riders and teams competing. I believe winning the title in such a new realm was made possible thanks to the combined strength of the riders, the machine and the team's management.

Let me say that I am very proud to have a rider like Jorge Lorenzo, who continues to adapt and grow steadily with such success, as a member of the Yamaha family. I look forward to his achievements in the 2013 season to come."

"I am very happy to be able to congratulate Jorge Lorenzo for taking his second premier class MotoGP World Championship title with Yamaha whilst still in Phillip Island and with one round remaining.

This would not have been possible without the hard work of the Team, YMC MotoGP Group and all Yamaha Motor Racing staff so I have to thank them all for their efforts.

All of us at Yamaha are proud to have witnessed his performance from the beginning of the season to now, always pushing at the front and fighting to this point to become 2012 World Champion.

This season's results add to his already successful career with Yamaha, I believe we can look forward to more success in Valencia in two weeks time."

Message from Lin Jarvis, Managing Director, Yamaha Motor Racing

"I congratulate Jorge on his second MotoGP World Championship title with Yamaha. He has been faultless all season. To be able to achieve 1st or 2nd in every race he finished is an extraordinary performance of a dedicated perfectionist and a true champion.

To be able to produce these performances Jorge relies upon the support of a huge network of people. I would like to give my thanks and congratulations to the Yamaha Motor group, all Yamaha Factory Racing Team staff, our technical partners & suppliers, our sponsors, and also to Jorge's personal staff. Without the efforts of all of these people this fantastic result would not have been possible.

Having won the championship with one race to spare we go to Valencia to try to crown this already excellent season with a race victory in front of his home fans and to enjoy a much deserved celebration all together."

More, from a press release issued by Honda:

STONER WINS HIS LAST HOME RACE

Casey Stoner (Repsol Honda RC213V) capped off a dream weekend with his sixth win in a row at his cherished Phillip Island Circuit before a record crowd of his sun-splashed fellow countrymen.

All weekend long it was clear that the reigning world champion was the man to beat and in the end no one could. So certain were the race organisers of his supremacy that they passed out paper crowns to celebrate the king's final coronation. He did not disappoint.

Though he also did not lead every lap. Team-mate Dani Pedrosa led the first of 27 laps in his quest to keep his championship hopes alive. But in the Honda hairpin on the second lap disaster struck. Pedrosa went into the corner with a bit too much pace and crashed, ending his title hopes. Then it was up to Stoner to fly the Honda flag and he did, proudly.

For the remaining 26 laps he put on a master clinic, easing away from Yamaha rider Jorge Lorenzo. Stoner's lead was never in doubt and when he crossed the line first for the sixth time at Phillip Island, and took his fourth win of the season, he had a cushion of 9.223s.

So dominant has Stoner been at Phillip Island that of the 162 race laps run over the past six years, Stoner has led 160 of them.

Lorenzo would go on to finish second to win the 2012 MotoGP World Championship with Yamaha rider Cal Crutchlow third. Pedrosa is guaranteed second in the championship and Stoner third in his final season before retiring.

Alvaro Bautista (San Carlo Honda Gresini RC213V) battled Stefan Bradl to the very end, along with Yamaha rider Andrea Dovizioso. Theirs was the fight for fourth and it went down to the very end. The trio swapped positions on the final two laps, with Dovizioso taking the spot by .129s over Bautista, with Bradl only .035s behind in sixth.

Michele Pirro (San Carlo Honda Gresini FTR) struggled with fairing problems towards the end of the race and finished a lap down in 14th. Still, riding the Honda CBR1000RR-powered FTR he scored points for the sixth race in a row, his most productive stretch of his rookie season. Marc Marquez (Team CatalunyaCaixa Repsol Suter) celebrated the Moto2 World Championship by finishing a strong third.

Marquez needed only two points in the final two races to secure the title that he came close to winning last year. Rather than play it safe, Marquez attacked from the start.But early on it was evident that no one was going to match the pace of Pol Espargaro

Taking the lead on the third of 25 laps, Espargaro set a blistering pace that added a second to his lead on a number of laps. He continued to pull away and crossed the finish line with a gaping 16.811s margin of victory.

The win was his fourth of the year, but it could not prevent Marquez from adding the Moto2 crown to his early 125cc World Championship. Marquez returns to Spain with an insurmountable 39 point lead. And Espargaro is guaranteed second; his lead over Andrea Iannone (Speed Master Speed Up), third in the championship, is 72 points. Iannone was forced out of the race with a mechanical issue.

For the locals the day belonged to Anthony West (QMMF Racing Team-Speed Up). The veteran had gone seven years between podiums before finishing second last week in Malaysia. But that was in the rain, his specialty. Today he was narrowly second in the dry; second through fourth were covered by .147s. Marquez got a strong drive out of the final corner to pass Scott Redding (Marc VDS Racing Team Kalex) for third and narrowly miss out on beating Westie.

Redding deserved a podium, but had to settle for a secure fourth. Nine seconds back Dominique Aegerter (Technomag-CIP Suter) won the battle for fifth in a photo finish over Johnathan Zarco (JiR Moto2 Motobi), with Simone Corsi (Came IodaRacing Project FTR) a mere .063s behind.

Tito Rabat (Tuenti Movil HP 40 Kalex) Randy Krummenacher (GP Team Switzerland - Kalex) and Takaaki Nakagami (Italtrans Racing Team Kalex) finished within .208 secs. of each other to fill out the top ten.

Miguel Oliveira (Estrella Galicia 0,0 Suter Honda) chased recently crowned world champion Sandro Cortese almost to the stripe to record a career best second place finish in the Moto3 class.

Cortese and Oliveira cleared out on the seventh lap in the 23-lap race, after a number of riders, including the leaders, were docked ride-through penalties after jumping the start.

Oliveira took his time at the point for two laps late in the race, but Cortese saw that the pace was slowing and re-took the lead on lap 20 of 23, running out the string. Oliveira was strong to the finish to take second. His previous best had been third in Catalunya.

Alex Rins (Estrella Galicia 0,0 Suter Honda) missed out on third by only .053s. The Phillip Island first-timer moved from sixth to fourth on the penultimate lap, holding off Danny Kent (KTM) at the line. Kent, in turn, just shaded Romano Fenati (Team Italia FMI- FTR Honda) by .002s. Fenati's team-mate Alessandro Tonucci was seventh.

The season concludes back in Europe, at Valencia, on November 11.

MotoGP rider quotes

Casey Stoner, Repsol Honda: Race winner"It was very important for me to win a race before the end of the season and I'm really happy to do it here, at home, in front of the huge crowd. My biggest worry was to be fit again and competitive for this race, but we managed it and we had something over everyone else and this was the perfect way to say goodbye here. I was pretty nervous going into the race, but the conditions were fantastic for a Phillip Island race. When I knew I only had a few laps left and a big lead, I was watching the crowd and it was fantastic to see everyone cheering me on, it made me very proud to be Australian.My biggest congratulations to Jorge [Lorenzo]. He's ridden an almost perfect season finishing first or second when possible and I'm just disappointed not to be in the championship fight, but I made my own mistakes and this is how things go. My condolences to Dani [Pedrosa] Â­I saw him crash out in front of meÂ­ but he had to push today and go out and win the race to keep his championship hopes alive. It was a small mistake, easy to do in this corner and I feel very sorry for him. Thanks to everyone for coming down and showing their support."

Dani Pedrosa, Repsol Honda: DNF"It's a sad feeling more than disappointment; I pushed as hard as I could; I did what I had to do and I have no regrets for my riding, especially this season. I feel very proud of my team and of my performance throughout the year. I think after what happened in Misano, we showed a very good attitude, skill and power. So, there is some sadness because we've been closer than ever to take the title, but also proud for all we achieved.Concerning the crash, it was nothing strange; I just went wider on the corner, I had some chatter and lost the front; maybe the tyre was not warm enough as well, but it's like it is. Congratulations to Casey [Stoner] for his sixth win at his home grand prix and to Lorenzo because he deserved the championship, as well as Marc MÃ¡rquez in Moto2."

Alvaro Bautista, San Carlo Honda Gresini: 5th"We have achieved our objective here, but I have to recognise that if it wasn't for the crash from Dani Pedrosa I would have been sixth. I am disappointed for him because he has produced some extraordinary races recently but today he lost the championship on the second lap. This morning in the warm-up we could see that (Cal) Crutchlow had a better pace than us so when I saw Pedrosa crash I just tried my best to stick in the group behind Lorenzo in the hope we could fight for the podium but we were lacking straight line speed. All the time I lost down the straight I had to make up for the rest of the lap, but it was a fun battle with Dovizioso and Bradl, we passed each other many times and the race went quickly for me. I made one last attempt at the end but again Dovizioso got me down the straight and then did a good job to close every door. Anyway it's a positive result so thanks to all the team and now let's hope we can seal fifth in the championship at Valencia."

Stefan Bradl, LCR Honda MotoGP: 6th"Off course we are all happy because we did not expect such a close fight for the fourth place today after the difficult first day of practices we had here. It's a shame that we lost the fourth place, because I was on hard tyre today and had a small advantage on my competitors, so I thought I could take it. But the other guys had other advantages on me so we were plus or minus on the same level. But on the last lap I was stopped by Bautista and Dovi (Dovizioso) passed me. I am not the one who usually lost the battle, but I am quite happy anyway because we showed our pace once again and want to thank the team for their excellent job this weekend."

Michel Pirro, San Carlo Honda Gresini: 14th"The objective was to finish as the third highest CRT, but we had a problem with the fairing that cost us time at the end of the race. It is a shame but I am happy to come away from this race with two points that consolidate my position as the third highest CRT in the championship and that is important."

Moto2 rider quotes

Pol Espargaro, Tuenti Movil HP 40 Kalex: Race winner:"Surely I have done and the biggest race of my career, as perfect as when I won the the Spanish Championship. I was able to start fast, with both pace and with such an advantage to beat my opponents. I felt very comfortable in Phillip Island from the first practice and needed a race like this, because to validate my performance in practice. We lost the title mathematically and I congratulate Marc Marquez, who has been a worthy champion, but I said we would fight to the last breath, and I have. I did not want surprises, I started from the first moments and I've been running away with a brutal pace that I have not slowed down to the checkered flag. Now I hope to finish 2012 in Valencia, to celebrate with family, friends, and fans in general Espargarins, and then start working hard so that 2013 is my year."

Anthony West, QMMF Racing Team Speed Up: 2nd"It's amazing. It's crazy how things work. I spent the last ten years fighting for this position and then it just comes twice in a row. It's crazy. And to think I started the season without a ride and last minute turn up in Qatar and start riding for this team. So I really have to thank them a lot for giving me the chance to continue and for me this is a much better result that last weekend. Last weekend was just a big confidence booster for me. And that's what I needed. I've been so sort of down and that's what I needed to pump myself back up and this is the real result that I wanted in the dry. And everyone keeps telling me the wet man and the rain's coming and it's good, but I'm happy to be in the dry and have this result. And I want to congratulate Marquez on his title. It's great.

Marc Marquez, Team CatalunyaCaixa Suter: 3rd"It's an incredible feeling, a dream. When you cross the finish line it is a great moment, but it happens very fast. The best bit comes with the celebration with the team. It is very satisfying to win the title. At this time I remember the hard times this year, the injuries, the support of my family and team. I cannot help but get emotional. It was a very difficult title victory, because Pol [EspargarÃ³] has not made it at all easy for me and deserves my congratulations for the great season he's had. After the serious injury I suffered a year ago, which could taken me away from racing forever, the most important thing is that I was able to get back riding. This season the team formed a magnificent group. I have never felt so comfortable in a team before. We have full confidence in one another."

Moto3 Rider Quotes

Miguel Oliveira, Estrella Galicia 0.0 Suter Honda: 2nd"It was a tough race in which we fought hard. In the warm-up I suffered two crashes that worried me, but in the race, riding behind Sandro [Cortese], I felt very comfortable. I managed to keep up and at the end when he overtook me, I focused on keeping second place. I am very happy with this podium. It has been a season of ups and downs, but in the last few races I have been improving gradually and today we confirmed this improvement. I am very happy for the team because we worked hard. With this podium, we can go to Valencia relaxed and aim to have fun."

Alex Rins, Estrella Galicia 0.0 Suter Honda: 4th"I'm very happy, because neither I nor the team expected this fourth in my first race at Phillip Island. We started far behind, but I managed to put myself in the front group on the early laps, maintaining a good fight with (Arthur) Sissis, (Danny) Kent and (Romano) Fenati. I watched what Fenati was doing quite a lot. I repeatedly tried to pass on the last lap, but I managed to keep my position. When I came in fifth into the final straight, I did not expect to beat Kent on the KTM, but I did and I'm very satisfied."

Romano Fenati, Team FMI Italia FTR Honda: 6th"What a fight against Kent, Sissis, Rins and (Alessandro) Tonucci. We had fun, being aggressive and fair at the same time. I did all I could. The bike was perfect, and it was fun to ride. Now we head to Valencia, a track where I rode during some tests. I like it, and I want to seize the Rookie of the Year award."

More, from a press release issued by Monster Yamaha Tech 3:

Crutchlow grabs early birthday present with Phillip Island podium

Monster Yamaha Tech 3 Team rider Cal Crutchlow gave himself the perfect early birthday present when he scorched to a stunning podium finish in this afternoon's AirAsia Australian Grand Prix.

The British rider turns 27 tomorrow (Monday) and he kicked off the celebrations early after a fantastic ride to third position in front of a record crowd of 53,100 fans packed into the spectacular Phillip Island track.

After Dani Pedrosa's early crash out of the lead on the second lap, Crutchlow brilliantly kept Monster Yam aha Tech 3 teammate Andrea Dovizioso, Alvaro Bautista and Stefan Bradl at bay in an exciting early battle for third place.

Eight laps had been completed when Crutchlow commenced a devastating attack that saw him comfortably streak away from the chasing trio. At the end of lap eight he pulled a 1.050s advantage over Dovizioso, but just four laps later his red-hot pace had seen him establish a gap of more than 3.5s.

Crutchlow was still feeling below 100% after being struck down by a nasty bout of bronchitis earlier in the weekend, but he was able to maintain a fast and consistent pace in sunny but cool conditions to bring his YZR-M1 machine in a richly deserved third position.

It was Crutchlow's second rostrum finish off a fantastic second season in MotoGP and today's result means he still has an o utside chance of claiming a top five finish in the overall World Championship standings with one round remaining.

With Crutchlow riding off into the distance in third, it was left to Dovizioso to provide the most entertaining battle of the 27-lap race. His pulsating fight with Bautista and Bradl went right down to the wire, with Dovizioso starting the final lap at the tail of the group in sixth.

The Italian's race craft and experience came to the fore though and in the decisive final moments he was able to pass both Bradl and Bautista to finish fourth. It was the 15th time in 17 races that Dovizioso has finished inside the top five and he heads to the final round in Valencia optimistic that he can end the season with a strong finish.

Cal Crutchlow 3rd 151 points:

"I am really happy with this result because it is a great way to finish this period of three races in a row. After the disappointment of running out of fuel while battling for the podium on the last lap in Japan and then crashing in Sepang, I really needed a positive result here and that's what we've got. Considering how ill I've felt with the fever and bronchitis, to be back on the podium is a fantastic feeling and we definitely deserved it. The Monster Yamaha Tech 3 Team gave me a great bike all weekend and I was very confident and calm when in front of Andrea, Bautista and Bradl. I knew I could go faster and pull away and once I opened up a comfortable gap, I just stayed relaxed and consistent because I wasn't going to catch Jorge. Another podium is a great result and we've backed up the third in Brno. It's great too because it is my birthday tomorrow and this is a good way to kick off the celebrations. It was a big thrill to be on the podium here with Casey winning. The fans gave him a great reception and I'm glad I could be part of it. I want to say big congratulations to Yamaha and Jorge too for winning the World Championship. They have done an amazing job and they both deserve this success."

Andrea Dovizioso 4th 208 points:

"I knew that it was going to be a tough race because I didn't had the same pace as Cal. All I could do was to try during the first laps to get in front of him or to put him under pressure but it was not possible. He was riding very well so I decided the best strategy was not to take too many risks. The battle with Bradl and Bautista was really exciting and I had a lot of fun. I'm sure the fans appreciated it as well because we were pushing and changing places for the whole race. I am satisfied to fi nish in front of the group and it was a strong battle right to the chequered flag. My next race in Valencia is the last for the Monster Yamaha Tech 3 Team, so I go there with high motivation and determination to get a strong result to end our successful relationship in a positive way."

Herve Poncharal Team Manager:

"That was an incredible afternoon because Cal finished on the podium, the local hero won in front of a record crowd and Jorge and Yamaha clinched the World Championship. The Monster Yamaha Tech 3 Team did a really good job. They both made a really strong start and it was impressive to see Cal pull away from the group with Andrea, Bautista and Bradl. His pace was very close to Jorge and after the disappointment of Japan and Malaysia this was a great way to bounce back. Cal was very consistent for the whole race and he never made any mistakes. He maintained his concentration and I think he deserved this result because he kept on pushing all weekend when he was far from his physical best because of the illness. Andrea also had a strong race and it was definitely an epic fight with Bautista and Bradl. The crowd certainly got entertained but Andrea was very smart on the final lap. He showed his experience, cleverness and coolness to pass both of them and fourth place is another incredibly strong result. Today's stunning race ensured we have secured third position in the Team World Championship and this is an outstanding achievement for a non-factory team. It highlights the incredible job Cal and Andrea have done as well as the great support we get from Yamaha. I also want to congratulate Yamaha and Jorge for the World Championship. Together they really did a fantastic job during the season and I'm delighted to see them win the first 1000cc title."

More, from a press release issued by Cardion AB Motoracing:

Success Down Under: Karel Abraham gets a superb start and battles with Rossi and Hayden in the race

Czech motorcycle rider Karel Abraham has bagged another finish in the top ten elite in the MotoGP class at the Australian Grand Prix. He finished the race in ninth place, after having battled for much of its duration in a group with Valentino Rossi and Nicky Hayden, both riding more advanced factory machines. Abaja crossed the line fifty-two seconds behind race winner Casey Stoner. Finishing second was Spaniard Jorge Lorenzo enough to secure his title as World Champion. On behalf of the entire Cardion AB Motoracing team we congratulate him!

Karel Abraham"I'm really happy about the race: we've finished in the Top 10 yet again which also means a fair amount of points. On the other hand, I also have to feel a bit frustrated, because it could have worked out a lot better. I had a great start and even got in front of Nicky Hayden, after which I managed to hold my position in the group between Valentino and Hayden. I felt really sure of the bike for the first time in ages, and even thought I could overtake Valentino. But from about the twelfth lap the bike started to play up, Nicky passed me, and both of them started to pull away. Whilst that was a bit of a shame, we can still regard this race as being a really good result."

Marco Grana, Chief Mechanic Cardion AB Motoracing"Of course we're really satisfied with ninth place. Karel put in a really good performance, he rode the seventh fastest time for a single lap, and that's a fantastic result! For a large part of the race Karel was able to ride in contention with Valentino Rossi and Nicky Hayden, both on factory bikes. Unfortunately, the bike then started to develop a few problems: the rear end started to slide and Karel began to fall behind Valentino. At the moment we have no idea why the motorcycle started behaving differently during the course of the race; the rear tire was still in an OK condition, and yet it was spinning far too much and Karel was losing time when accelerating. In contrast to Malaysia, where we all felt a bit down after the race, now we are looking forward to Valencia, and we're confident that we'll have another good race."

More, from a press release issued by Power Electronics Aspar Team:

POWER ELECTRONICS ASPAR RIDERS TUSSLE FOR TOP TEN

Aleix EspargarÃ³ and Randy De Puniet fight to be best CRT at Phillip Island. Spaniard finally wins out for tenth place, with teammate eleventh

Jorge Lorenzo was crowned MotoGP World Champion for 2012 in a race in which he was mostly a spectator, watching on as Casey Stoner took a dominant sixth win at Phillip Island. Stoner's triumph had been predictable after watching the weekend unfold, but what hadn't been foreseen was an early crash for Dani Pedrosa on the second lap. Pedrosa and Lorenzo had got in front of poleman Stoner off the line, but things took a twist very early in. That fall for Pedrosa, when leading the race, gave the title to Lorenzo and meant that all three categories now have a new champion. Stoner crossed the line with a large advantage on his final appearance at Phillip Island.

It had been a while since the POWER ELECTRONICS Aspar riders had put on a show for the fans with a head to head battle -two GPs in fact. They did it again today with a tussle that lasted almost the entirety of the 27 lap contest. Randy de Puniet had been the leading CRT at Phillip Island and had the pace to catch some of the official bikes. However, he stalled on the start and lost four positions. He caught up with teammate Aleix EspargarÃ³ on the second lap and the battle began. Aleix eventually won out, to finish tenth. De Puniet crossed the line eleventh.

10th Aleix EspargarÃ³: "Before the flyaways we won at AragÃ³n. I spoke with my mechanics afterwards and we agreed that if we wanted to be the best CRT, then we needed to win at least three of the last four races. At the moment we are on course for that. I am very happy and it was fun in the race. I had an exciting battle with Randy, above all on the final two laps. I tried to slipstream him on the straight a few times, but it wasn't possible. I waited until the start of the last lap and pushed. I took a risk and it worked out. He has been very strong all weekend, so in Valencia we will have to work hard to avoid any unexpected occurrence."

11th Randy De Puniet: "I'm a little upset, because I thought I was able to follow the official Ducati bikes. In fact, comparing the laps after the race, I saw that we were virtually identical in pace. Right at the start, when I changed from second to third gear, I noticed how the bike stood still. With this incident I lost time and positions. Then it was hard to move up positions. Gradually I tagged onto riders ahead of me, pairing up with Aleix. We exchanged a few passes and he rode well; I couldn't force him into making a mistake. I hate to end a race like this; not because my teammate beat me, but because the race didn't go as I would have liked and expected."

More, from a press release issued by LCR Honda:

BRADL TAKES 6th PLACE AFTER A THRILLING BATTLE AT THE ISLAND GP

Phillip Island, 28th October: fast and flowing Phillip Island track was sunny and packed today for the last local hero Casey Stoner's home GP who confirmed his dominance winning the 27lap race whilst the LCR Honda's racer Stefan Bradl was again a strong performer finishing 6th.

In his first visit to the ocean circuit on a MotoGP machine, the German had vastly improved from Friday's practices gaining more confidence aboard his RC213V and starting a close battle with Dovizioso and Bautista for the 4th place till the last corner. Now Bradl is holding the 8th place in the world standing with 135 points.

Stefan: "Off course we are all happy because we did not expect such a close fight for the 4th place today after the difficult first day of practices we had here. It's a shame that we lost the 4th place because I was on hard tyre today and had a small advantage on my competitors so I thought I could take it. But the other guys had other advantages on me so we were plus or minus on the same level but in the last lap I was stopped by Bautista and Dovi passed me. I am not the one who usually lost the battle but I am quite happy anyway because we showed our pace once again and want to thank the Team for their excellent job this weekend".

Repsol Honda's Casey Stoner took his sixth consecutive victory at Phillip Island in a dominating display as Yamaha Factory Racing's Jorge Lorenzo claimed the 2012™ MotoGP championship after finishing second in the Australian Grand Prix.

Starting on pole for his last home Grand Prix, Stoner didn't get the best of starts but inherited the race lead after his teammate Dani Pedrosa suffered an unfortunate low-speed crash at Honda Hairpin on lap two that ended his title aspirations. From that point on Stoner built a comfortable lead and took the checkered flag 9.223 seconds ahead of a jubilant Lorenzo, while Monster Yamaha Tech 3's Cal Crutchlow stepped up to the podium for the second time this year after finishing in third place. Power Electronics Aspar's Aleix Espargaro again took the honours among the CRT riders, narrowly beating teammate Randy de Puniet to tenth place by just 0.043 seconds.

Track conditions for today's race were the best they were all weekend, though low ambient temperatures and a persistent sea breeze kept track temperatures in the low 30Â°C range. The moderate track temperature for the race made softer option slicks the preferred choice, with all riders selecting the soft compound front slick, while every rider except LCR Honda's Stefan Bradl selected the softer rear option the medium compound slick.

"The weather was better today but still quite cool meaning that softer compound slicks were preferred by almost every rider for the race. Morning Warm Up gave some riders the opportunity to test the harder slick options both front and rear, but it was still too cool for these options to work effectively, especially for the front tyre. Track temperatures increased slightly in the afternoon, though only one rider selected the harder rear slick for the race. Considering the cool, unpredictable weather we've had at Phillip Island I am satisfied with tyre performance as there were no complaints about warm-up performance which is always a major consideration at this circuit."

Casey Stoner, Repsol Honda Race Winner

"It's been a fantastic build up and it was very important for me to win a race before I retired and to do it at my home Grand Prix was a fairy tale. The fans have been amazing, I've never seen Cowes so busy and I know a big part of that is because of this being my last race here so it gives me a great feeling and pride as an Aussie to go out there and win today."

More, from a press release issued by Dorna Communications:

This weekend's AirAsia Australian Grand Prix at Phillip Island was the setting for not only some tremendous races but also the crowing of two World Champions in the shape of Yamaha Factory Racing's Jorge Lorenzo in the MotoGP™ premier-class and Team CatalunyaCaixa Repsol's Marc MÃ¡rquez in the intermediate Moto2™ category.

Despite Repsol Honda Team's local hero Casey Stoner taking a dominant sixth win in succession in his final-ever home race, an error from the Australian's teammate Dani Pedrosa and second place from Lorenzo was enough for the Mallorcan to be crowned 2012 MotoGP World Champion.

It was Lorenzo that got the holeshot into turn one after a lightning start, with Pedrosa close on his tail in front of Stoner. Pedrosa was boisterous from the off and pushed past Lorenzo within a couple of turns as he tried to pull away. Local hero Stoner was soon all over Lorenzo and took him on the home straight heading into lap two. Shortly after there was huge drama as Pedrosa pushed too hard and lost the rear of his bike, with Stoner and Lorenzo closely behind. The Spaniard was able to remount, yet had to pit with the bike too damaged, leaving Lorenzo in a strong position to take the world title.

As Stoner pulled away at the front in dominant fashion, an entertaining battle for third ensued being led by Monster Yamaha Tech 3's Cal Crutchlow, followed by teammate Andrea Dovizioso, San Carlo Honda Gresini's Ãlvaro Bautista and LCR Honda MotoGP's Stefan Bradl. In the meantime, Paul Bird Motorsport's James Ellison crashed out of the race, while NGM Mobile Forward Racing's Colin Edwards had to retire due to a technical issue. With 18 laps remaining Crutchlow was on a charge as he was lapping faster than Lorenzo, dropping off Dovizioso slightly, who had Bautista stuck to his rear wheel. Behind them, Ducati Team's Valentino Rossi was leading a battle of the Desmosedicis ahead of Cardion AB Racing's Karel Abraham and Ducati's Nicky Hayden.

Stoner was leading at the front with Lorenzo and lonely second and Crutchlow a lonely third, yet Bautista, Bradl and Dovizioso were at each other's throat throughout. With eight laps to go Speed Master's Roberto Rolfo retired with a mechanical issue. Further afield and Power Electronics Aspar's Aleix EspargarÃ³ was tussling with teammate Randy de Puniet in their battle for CRT supremacy, with the two swapping positions frequently. With five laps remaining Dovizioso went past Bradl into fourth, whilst Bautista capitalised on this and also squeezed past the German for fifth. And two laps before the end the trio provided fairing-to-fairing action with Dovizioso leading into the last lap, and keeping this position until the line.

Yet ultimately it was Stoner who made it six wins in succession at the Australian track on his final bow at his home circuit, with Lorenzo clinching his second premier-class title with one round to go the only Spaniard to have more than one. Crutchlow put in a terrific ride as he stormed to his second ever GP podium, despite suffering from illness. Dovizioso was the first non-podium finisher, followed by Bautista, Bradl, Rossi, Hayden, Abraham, as well as EspargarÃ³, who came out on top in the CRT battle with his teammate.

The race was a huge draw for the Australian crowd as an estimated 53,100 fans descended on the track on Sunday, making the estimated three-day attendance a record breaking 122,470.

Moto2™

Team CatalunyaCaixa Repsol's Marc MÃ¡rquez was crowned Moto2™ World Champion at today's AirAsia Australian Grand Prix at Phillip Island after coming third in an enthralling race won by Tuenti Movil HP 40's Pol EspargarÃ³ with Anthony West second.

Pole-man EspargarÃ³ had a bad start as he was taken by Italtrans Racing Team's Takaaki Nakagami, MÃ¡rquez and Interwetten-Paddock's Tom LÃ¼thi in the first few bends. Yet within one lap EspargarÃ³ was leading MÃ¡rquez as the Spanish duo started to spar, in front of Marc VDS Racing Team's Scott Redding, Nakagami and JiR Moto2's Johann Zarco.

A lap later and EspargarÃ³ already looked in a league of his own as he had pulled out a significant gap over MÃ¡rquez in second. With 20 laps to go Speed Master's Andrea Iannone retired with an engine problem, as Redding made his was past MÃ¡rquez into second. At the same time, QMMF Racing's Anthony West led a big group for fourth, with Technomag-CIP's Dominique Aegerter and Came IodaRacing Project's Simone Corsi in tow.

With 12 laps remaining LÃ¼thi looked to be struggling as he had dropped into 12th, while EspargarÃ³'s teammate Esteve Rabat had fought his way up to sixth. And couple of laps later LÃ¼thi's race got even worse as he crashed out, citing a rear tyre issue. Eight laps before the end West had dropped off his group and was edging ever closer to MÃ¡rquez to challenge for third. The pursuing group fighting for fifth saw Marc VDS' Mika Kallio and GP Team Switzerland's Randy Krummenacher join the fight as the six of them were bunched tightly.

With three laps left West made his move on MÃ¡rquez much to the delight of the local crowd. The Australian then tried a move on Redding, but couldn't make it stick, as Kallio was forced to drop his bike into the gravel after being bumped by Corsi. The action was then back at the front again as West made a brave move into second, only to then be dramatically followed by MÃ¡rquez in the final corner, relegating Redding to fourth.

EspargarÃ³ took the chequered flag with an enormous margin of over 16 seconds, with West taking his second ever Moto2™ podium in front of an ecstatic home crowd. The final spot on the rostrum went to MÃ¡rquez, who is now the fifth Spanish rider to have won the intermediate-class, and the first to do so on a Suter bike. The first non-podium finisher in fourth was Redding ahead of Aegerter, Zarco, Corsi, Rabat, Krummenacher and Nakagami.

It was also confirmed after the race that NGM Mobile Forward Racing's Alex de Angelis had undergone successful surgery at the Epworth Richmond Hospital on his finger injuries from yesterday, and was on his path to recovery. His return date has however not been confirmed.

Moto3™

In a thrilling Moto3™ race at the AirAsia Australian Grand Prix at Phillip Island it was Red Bull KTM Ajo's World Champion Sandro Cortese who took a strong victory ahead of Miguel Oliveira and local rider Arthur Sissis.

AirAsia-SIC-Ajo's Zulfahmi Khairuddin got a lighting start as he led the early stages, followed by RW Racing GP's Luis Salom, who had made his way up from ninth. Mapfre Aspar Team Moto3's Jonas Folger and Racing Team Germany's Louis Rossi were in tow, as Cortese was stalking them from behind. Mahindra Racing's weekend took a turn for the worse as Ricardo Moretti had to retire after just a few laps.

In a dramatic twist, Folger, Salom, Rossi, Andalucia JHK t-shirt Laglisse's Alberto Moncayo and Caretta Technology's Jack Miller were given ride-through penalties for jump-starts. Rossi, before even seeing the board, made an error in the leading pack as he went onto the grass, but managed to stay upright. TT Motion Events Racing's Niklas Ajo saved a near crash with 16 laps remaining, whilst Cortese had taken over the lead after much of the leading pack had completed their penalties. Also making use of this was Estrella Galicia 0,0's Miguel Oliveira in second, whilst Blusens Avintia's Maverick ViÃ±ales was tussling with Cortese's teammate Arthur Sissis for fourth.

Two laps later and Oliveira made his move on Cortese to take the lead for the first time. On the same lap, Racing Team Germany's Toni Finsterbusch suffered a mechanical issue and retired from the race. Khairuddin then suffered a similar fate, as Cortese re-took the lead. The last two laps proved a thrilling affair in the fight for the final podium spot between Rins, Sissis, Kent, Fenati and VÃ¡zquez, with the riders going fairing-to-fairing at times.

In the end it was Cortese who crossed the line first ahead of podium sitters Oliveira and Sissis, with the Australian particularly pleased to get his first GP podium in front of his home crowd. With the country's MotoGP star Casey Stoner retiring at the end of this year, the crowd will be happy to see that a possible replacement is coming up through the ranks. Fourth place went to Rins, followed by Kent, Fenati, Tonucci, VÃ¡zquez, Ambrogio Next Racing's Alex MÃ¡rquez and Ongetta-Centro Seta's Isaac ViÃ±ales. Rins now leads the Rookie standings from Fenati by 5 points.

More, from a press release issued by Avintia Blusens MotoGP Team:

Silva manages to score in his debut in difficult Phillip Island. McLaren cannot be on starting grid

Phillip Island, 28 of October 2012. IvÃ¡n Silva managed to score at the G.P. of Australia in his debut on the fine but complicated track of Phillip Island. This time Silva who retired from the previous race in Sepang - managed to cross the finish in the top fifteen thus scoring one point both for himself and his team. Starting from far behind IvÃ¡n sustained a long battle with Rolfo riding at a good pace but without managing to make his way up. Unfortunately Kris McLaren - home rider and wild card with Avintia Blusens on this occasion - did not manage to be on the starting grid as yesterday in the qualifying practice he did not meet the minimum requirements in terms of time.

22 IvÃ¡n Silva (15Âº, +1V): "We managed to complete the race and to score. Both things were part of the objectives I wanted to meet at this G.P. It was no easy task as it's a difficult track though it's really fine. I have been battling with Rolfo nearly throughout the whole race and I eventually managed to score. I would have liked to reach a better position but at least we managed to give the team a point after so much work that's the least they deseve. I hope I will do better in Valencia and finish the year in happiness for all".

More, from a press release issued by Dorna Communications:

Yamaha Factory Racing's Jorge Lorenzo made history in the AirAsia Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix at Phillip Island today, as he became the first Spanish rider to win the premier-class title more than once, after coming second and securing an insurmountable 43-point cushion with one race left.

Jorge Lorenzo's journey to his two MotoGP™ premier class titles began at the age of three when he entered in minicross competitions in his native Mallorca, followed by junior motocross and a 50cc Copa Aprilia title in the Spanish Championship an entry he was only granted with special permission. Lorenzo subsequently became the youngest ever rider to enter a World Championship race. Turning fifteen the minimum age for Grand Prix participation back then - on the second day of practice for the 2002 Spanish race at Jerez, he made his debut on board a Derbi 125cc at a track where he would enjoy much success over the next few years.

In just his second season he took his first Grand Prix victory at Rio de Janeiro in Brazil, where his impressive "round the outside" overtaking manoeuvre on Casey Stoner and Dani Pedrosa won him the nickname "Por Fuera". In 2004 he sealed a further three triumphs, before making the move up to the 250cc category a year later and taking four poles and six podiums in his maiden season. 2006 was to be the coming-of-age year for the Mallorcan, who switched to Aprilia machinery and immediately became the favourite for the World Championship. He justified the hype with an impressive eight victories, equalling the pole position record in the process with ten, and lifting the title in an emotional final race of the year at Valencia.

Another dominant year in 2007 saw Lorenzo retaining the quarter-litre title, with all nine of his victories coming from pole. At just twenty years old, he was a two-time 250cc World Champion and took on his biggest challenge to date by signing for the Yamaha factory team in MotoGP alongside Valentino Rossi. Lorenzo made an immediate impact in the premier class with a stunning first five races. He took pole on his debut - becoming the first man to do so since Max Biaggi ten years previously - and finished second in an astounding performance in Qatar. He followed up the feat with pole at the next two races, becoming the first rider to go 'three from three' in his rookie season and turning both top spots into podium finishes.

Unfortunately his debut MotoGP season in 2008 was also marred by a few big crashes and injuries, including two broken ankles in China that eventually forced the debutant out of action for his home race in Catalunya. However he regained his fitness and confidence in the latter part of the season, and picked up the pace to finish fourth overall and become Rookie of the Year. Lorenzo went from strength to strength in 2009, pushing his then colleague and fierce rival Rossi all the way for the title. Their battle at Catalunya was a season highlight, and Lorenzo picked up four wins as part of a 12-podium haul for the year, with five pole positions as well. Ultimately he was unable to wrest the title from Rossi's grip, but his challenge was becoming ever stronger.

With the switch to 1000cc at the start of 2012 Lorenzo and his Yamaha made a terrific start by winning the opening round in Qatar after a hard fought battle with the Repsol Hondas. From that point on the Spaniard went on to take five further wins and nine second-places, only once failing to finish a race after being taken out by Ãlvaro Bautista in Assen. The race at Phillip Island proved a dramatic one as his main rival Dani Pedrosa crashed out early on, with Lorenzo needing only a three-point finish or more to clinch the title. He however didn't hold back and climbed on the podium once more to take his second premier-class title.

Jorge Lorenzo facts:

Lorenzo is the first Spanish rider to win the premier-class world title more than once.

He has finished either first or second at every race that he has finished during 2012. The only occasion this year when he has failed to finish either first or second was when he was knocked off by Ãlvaro Bautista at the first corner of the Dutch TT.

Throughout the 2012 season only two riders have finished in front of Lorenzo Dani Pedrosa and Casey Stoner.

He becomes just the third rider in the 64-year history of Grand Prix racing to win more than a single world title in both the intermediate-class and premier-class of Grand Prix racing. The only other riders to have achieved this are Mike Hailwood and Phil Read.